Mary Twala, 80, Passes Away

Award-winning film and television actress, Mary Twala, has passed away at the age of 80.

According to her son, choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, Twala passed away at Netcare Park Lane Hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday morning, 4 July – the same day as the birthday of her late husband, actor Ndaba Mhlongo.

The cause of death is not yet known.

Hours after her passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa, paid tribute to Twala in a government-issued statement: “We have lost a unique talent and an endearing human being whose performances brought to life the meaning of being South African, and appealed to South Africans of all generations. We will miss her dearly.”

Twala starred in prolific films over the years, including “Taxi to Soweto”, “Sarafina!”, and “Dr Lucille”.

She also starred in local television productions such as “Yizo-Yizo”, “Die SonKriel”, and “Skwizas” – for her role as MaKhumanule in the latter series, she was awarded the SAFTA for Best Actress in a TV Comedy in 2015.

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